1997 Toyota Previa: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Toyota Previa?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Toyota Previa than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Toyota Previa

  18.7% All 1997 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.6% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.4× usual
  Toyota Previa

  12.2% All 1997 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Number plate lights2.4× usual
  Toyota Previa

  11.2% All 1997 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Wipers2.4× usual
  Toyota Previa

  10.5% All 1997 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 1997 Toyota Previa MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Toyota Previa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  38% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Toyota Previa

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Toyota Previa as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1997 Toyota Previa as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1997 Toyota Previa as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?